The Secure Love Podcast with Julie Menanno

Julie Menanno
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Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 14min

Session 1: WiFi Passwords & The Corny Suit of Vulnerability

In this engaging session, Brian, an anxious partner, and Bethany navigate the tricky waters of couples therapy. They dive into a heated dispute sparked by a Wi-Fi password, revealing deep-rooted trust issues. Bethany grapples with being seen as the 'bad guy,' while Brian steps into vulnerability for the first time, likening it to donning a 'corny suit.' Their honest dialogue shines a light on attachment styles and the importance of breaking cycles of conflict, marking a pivotal moment for their relationship growth.
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Aug 26, 2025 • 4min

Season 2 Trailer: Can They Find Their Way Back?

In Season 2 of The Secure Love Podcast, licensed therapist and author Julie Menanno returns with a new couple: Bethany and Brian, separated, on the brink of divorce, and making one final attempt to repair their relationship.  This season you'll hear name-calling, financial betrayal, post-partum isolation and deep emotional wounds surface in real time. But beneath the hurt, there's a deeper story, one of longing, vulnerability, and a quiet hope that love might still be possible. Whether or not your relationship looks like theirs, if you’ve ever felt disconnected, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or unsure how to move forward with your partner, you'll see yourself in their story. Can two people who’ve hurt each other so deeply learn to connect again? Can they find their way back? Season 2 begins next week. Subscribe now to follow their journey. Follow Julie Menanno on social media @thesecurerelationship. For weekly homework assignments visit our website: The Secure Relationship Podcast Attend a course or worshop hosted by Julie: Attachment Theory and Relationship Growth Courses Purchase Julie's book Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime
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10 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 21min

Unpacking the Journey: A Live Q&A with Melissa, Drew, and Julie

In this engaging discussion, Drew shares his journey through couples therapy alongside partner Melissa, offering a candid look at their emotional growth. They reflect on their initial anxieties and the breakthroughs they experienced during 20 sessions. Julie, their therapist, explains the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy, emphasizing conflict avoidance and healing. The trio discusses navigating anger, emotional safety, and the healing power of love, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of vulnerability and connection in relationships.
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8 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 13min

The Journey Toward a Secure Love (Season Finale)

Drew, one half of a couple navigating life's challenges and participating in therapy, joins for a candid discussion about self-acceptance and shame. The conversation dives into how Drew learns to embrace vulnerability, which enhances his emotional connection with Melissa. They tackle parenting anxieties together and reflect on emotional turmoil in relationships, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and communication. Ultimately, they focus on using self-compassion to transform their relationship, breaking negative cycles and fostering deeper understanding.
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4 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 13min

Do You Think That He Can Love This Anxious Part of You?

Join a heartfelt journey as Melissa tackles her struggles with anxiety and the need for self-acceptance. Guided by insightful conversations, she learns to embrace her imperfections and recognizes the importance of self-compassion. The podcast delves into the connection between childhood attachment wounds and adult relationship patterns. As her partner Drew offers reassurance, they navigate the delicate balance of emotional self-reliance and mutual support. Together, they reveal how vulnerability and understanding can transform love into a secure embrace.
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12 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 19min

Perfectionism to Self-Regulation: The Anxious Partner's Journey

Drew, one half of a couple navigating relationship challenges, shares insights on the journey toward secure attachment. The discussion dives into how Drew's laid-back parenting contrasted with his partner's anxious attachment style, leading to miscommunications during family events. They explore emotional regulation, the impact of societal pressures, and the importance of self-soothing over seeking validation from each other. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, self-worth, and fostering deeper emotional connections in relationships.
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6 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 27min

The Anxious-Avoidant Conflict Resolution

Drew, one half of a couple working through their relationship with Emotionally Focused Therapy, shares insights alongside his partner Melissa. They dive into the emotional dynamics of their differing responses during a tense dinner involving their son's behavior. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional validation and the complexities of balancing personal needs with collective coping strategies. Melissa and Drew emphasize the necessity of empathy, compromise, and open communication to foster a healthier relationship while navigating the challenges of parenting.
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5 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 11min

What the Anxious Partner Needs vs What the Anxious Partner Communicates

The podcast dives into the intricate communication patterns between an anxious partner and their spouse. It highlights how past experiences shape current fears and the critical need for reassurance. The conversation emphasizes articulating emotional needs to avoid misunderstandings. Anxiety in relationships and the complexities of parenting are explored, showcasing how feelings of neglect can arise. Finally, the importance of clear communication and emotional support is underscored, helping partners navigate uncertainty and foster a secure connection.
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Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 18min

What Happens When the Avoidant Partner Faces Their Anger?

Drew, a dedicated partner and parent, shares his insights on navigating relationship challenges with his wife, Melissa. The discussion dives into the tension between his social desires and her yearning for connection. Drew confronts his struggles with expressing anger, which he often equates with losing control. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging valid emotions and fostering healthy communication. Drew learns how embracing his feelings can bridge the emotional gap with Melissa, promoting a more nurturing family dynamic.
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8 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 26min

Fear, Frustration and the Other Side of the Protest

Drew, one half of a couple on a journey of relationship growth, shares insights on overcoming communication barriers with his partner, Melissa. He recounts a dinner incident that spiraled into frustration and fear, showcasing the emotional toll of their disconnect. Drew reveals the 'knot in his stomach' that echoes his struggles to articulate feelings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and understanding in breaking the cycle of misunderstanding, while exploring strategies for fostering intimacy and emotional engagement.

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